Sheep farmers told to reduce triclabendazole reliance

All efforts must be taken to reduce reliance on triclabendazole for liver fluke control as the threat of resistance looms ever present, sheep farmers are being told.

Now is the time to target adult fluke but there are four other treatment alternatives, as well as managing risk through grazing management, according to the latest National Animal Disease Information Service (Nadis) report.

Parasitologist Mike Taylor has added to calls for sheep farmers to curb triclabendazole so as to safeguard it for the future.

As part of Nadis February update, Prof Taylor said closantel, nitroxynil, oxyclozanide and albendazole are all effective against adult fluke.

Prof Taylor said: “Given at the appropriate dose rate, closantel, nitroxynil, oxyclozanide and albendazole are all effective against adult fluke, which are present at this time.